|
Earth Crosser (2001-03) Duration: 13' 30" Instrumentation: 2.2(+bcl).2.2(+cbsn) 4.2.2.1 piano, harp timp, perc(3) strings Alternate Versions: Availability: from the composer Recordings: n/a Program Notes: Unbeknown to me while working on Earth Crosser, the real source of my inspiration came indirectly from the renowned geologist/astronomer Gene Shoemaker. His life's work led him to develop the theory that impact craters on the surface of both the Moon and Earth were caused by asteroidal objects. Shoemaker's work eventually evolved into the study of the astronomical objects themselves, adding significantly to the science of near-earth objects (NEO). When these objects orbit our sun in a trajectory close to the Earth's, they are known as "Near Earth Objects". When the trajectories cross at the same point as Earth's trajectory, the object becomes an "Earth Crosser". I have long held a morbid fascination of this inevitable calamity, even before the rise in popularity of the apocalyptic, end-of-the-world movies coming out of Hollywood. The destructive force of such an encounter with a large object however, should the earth ever again endure such a fate, would have implications on a global scale. Earth Crosser is not intended to be a moment-by-moment musical rendering of such a catastrophe, but rather a collection of musical thoughts loosely inspired by, and responsive to, such an event. Earth Crosser is composed of three main sections. The first is dominated by percussion, harp, marimba, piano, and sustained strings. The second by the brass and strings. The third and final section is a forum for solo players from the orchestra. The pitch material of Earth Crosser is largely derived from a 12-note sequence accompanied by some tertian harmonic structures. This 12-note sequence can be heard for the first time in it's complete form around mm. 85-86 in the bass clarinet and bassoons.First Performance: Other Performances: |